Method and apparatus for graphically displaying a building system

Abstract

A method and apparatus uses a stored three dimensional model of an object to render an image showing a condition sensed by a building control system. The building condition may be sensed by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that is wirelessly integrated into the building control system. The three dimensional model may include structural components, ventilation equipment, safety equipment, furniture and machinery and allow a user to navigate through the rendered image by varying the viewpoint of the rendered image.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of and / or priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 556,119, filed Mar. 25, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]The present invention relates generally to building systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for displaying and / or storing building system data.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]Building automation systems are comprehensive and distributed control and data collection systems for a variety of building automation functions within a building system. Such functions may include comfort systems (also known as heating, ventilation and air condition or HVAC systems), security systems, fire safety systems, as well as others. Building automation systems include various end points from which data is collected. Examples of such end points include temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and light sensors. Building automation systems further include elements that may be controlled, for example, heating coil valves, ventilati...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Nonetheless, most building automation systems have limited ability to associate sensor values with other building system components or general building attributes.

While systems with such graphics provide at least some integrated visible representation of portions of the building automation system, the ability to use such data is limited.

These building components, however, are not normally integrated into an extensive building-wide communication infrastructure.

Attempts to obtain data from each specific device using a dedicated communication channel can thus be extremely cost-prohibitive and technically challenging considering the wiring needs.

Thus, in the event of a component failure or malfunction, an appropriate representative may or may not be available to attend to the component.

One issue associated with various building system components is thus the elapsed time between discovery of a malfunction, communication of the malfunction to the appropriate service provider, and the response time of the provider.

Such elapsed time may have dangerous and costly consequences.

Even in the event the malfunction is not dangerous or costly, however, a poorly maintained building is not conducive to productive and satisfied occupants.

Another issue that arises is the loss of information on specific components over the lifetime of the component.

Too frequently, historical data is either misplaced or available in a form that is not convenient.

This problem is exacerbated when different organizations sell, install, and maintain the components since the data may not be passed from one organization to the next organization.

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